Beyond Tacky: Whitney Houston’s Family To Star In Reality TV Show

It’s been three months since Whitney Houston was found dead in a Beverly Hills hotel room. While the world mourned the loss of a music legend, Houston’s family mourned the loss of a mother, daughter, sister. Bobbi Kristina Brown appeared on Oprah just four weeks later, insisting, “I’m doing as good as I possibly can.” (The 19-year-old was hospitalized twice for anxiety in the days following Houston’s tragic death.)

Understandably, the Houston family released a statement during that time: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Whitney,” they said. “This is an unimaginable tragedy and we will miss her terribly. We appreciate the outpouring of love and support from her fans and friends.”

“I am deeply saddened at the passing of my ex-wife, Whitney Houston. At this time, we ask for privacy, especially for my daughter, Bobbi Kristina. I appreciate all of the condolences that have been directed towards my family and I at this most difficult time.”

Well, guess what? Houston’s family can kiss their privacy goodbye – and they have no one but themselves to blame. That’s because they’re starring in a new reality TV show slated to air on Lifetime. Called The Houston Family Chronicles, it’ll “star” Bobbi Kristina, Houston’s mother Cissy, brother Gary and manager/sister-in-law Pat Houston. They’ve signed on for 10 hour-long episodes that will follow Gary and Pat “as they take on their greatest challenge, supporting and guiding Bobbi Kristina as she faces the world alone, without the one person she relied on the most, her mother.”

I know, I know, could you not vomit? Look, I have no idea what goes on behind closed doors – for all I know, Gary and Pat are the most kind and wonderful human beings to walk this earth – but that doesn’t change the fact that this new series is beyond exploitative. It’s just plain offensive!

Here’s more about the show from Lifetime’s official press release:

“Whitney Houston’s sudden passing left behind a major void felt not only by the world, but also by those who loved her most, her beloved family. The Houston Family Chronicles follows those closest to the pop music icon as they try to pick up the pieces after her untimely death.”

Okay, really, did you have to make a TV show out of this? What purpose does it serve? Houston’s mother, Cissy, said she’s all about the series. Of course, this comes via TMZ, so let’s take it with a grain of salt, but sources tell the mag that Cissy believes the show will “help with the healing process

[by]

keeping the family as one.” I can think of other ways to bond, though, can’t you? (Hint: They don’t involve being followed around by cameras day and night.)

Pat Houston echoes Cissy’s sentiments, admitting she had been developing a TV project for herself when Houston passed away. “It is my hope that others will be enlightened as they watch our family heal and move forward,” she said in a statement. Look, I would never tell anyone how to grieve (ever!), but this whole reality TV series seems so…wrong. It’s just tacky, plain and simple. Am I alone in feeling this way?